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Sotskova warns skaters of heeding online criticism
Two-time Grand Prix Final qualifier explains affinity for classical music
Posted 12/4/17 by Jean-Christophe Berlot, special to icenetwork
http://web.icenetwork.com/news/2017/12/04/262382782
Excerpts:

Two-time Grand Prix Final qualifier explains affinity for classical music
Posted 12/4/17 by Jean-Christophe Berlot, special to icenetwork
http://web.icenetwork.com/news/2017/12/04/262382782
Excerpts:
Sotskova: I must say that the internet is far worse. There are so many readers, and they always write stuff. You'll read comments like, "Her competitor is better, she should go to the Games" or "She is not good enough." That's quite demoralizing. People have to know something: We always want to show the best programs, and also beautiful skating. We don't skate only for us but for everyone. We just try to make the world better and people happier than they were before watching us. That's our goal! Some people who criticize us don't know how much we are working for that goal.
The problem is, modern life without the internet is just impossible. I, of course, don't want to read those criticisms, but they are there, as toxic as they are. Athletes shouldn't read internet comments. They make you more nervous and make you lose some of your confidence. If you follow them, you can lose your way.

ETA:Icenetwork: When we see you skate, or during press conferences, you always look so discrete and shy. Now I see you're not exactly so.
Sotskova: I'm not shy! I'm a rather confident person; at least, I have confidence in myself. I'm certainly very focused on my competition, that's for sure. But when I'm out of the rink, I'm a rather funny person; I'm always laughing. In fact, I love laughing! In real life, I'm really different from what you see (on the ice).
I believe Sotskova stayed with the family of Olivia Serafini when she was training in Los Angeles 2 years ago.Icenetwork: May I ask you where your excellent English comes from?
Sotskova: Of course! I went to the USA in 2015. I skated in Los Angeles, and I took from Rafael Arutunian. I was staying with an American family, and they allowed me to practice my English. They were so good. I love them, and I love the U.S.